Discipleship Experiment Week 3: “Following Jesus Through Temptation”

This lesson seeks to help students know how to battle temptation by following Jesus and how he understands our struggles.

Icebreaker:

Have students give an example of temptation from a television show, movie, book, website, etc.

Have students tell a story about a time when they were tempted (it can be a funny story or a serious story).

Transition:

“No one is immune from temptation. Not even Jesus! Jesus understands our temptations because he’s been there — and yet he did not sin. So, not only can Jesus relate to us in our temptations, but he gives us the example and power to overcome it (as well as the grace and mercy to try again when it overcomes us).”

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son ofGod, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Follow-Up Questions:

What is temptation? What is not temptation (like maybe a “storm” or a “trial”)?

How did Jesus respond to temptation? (ex: Matthew 4:1-11)

What can we learn from Jesus about temptation? (trusting in and following Gods’ Word and God’s ways) — Which is more costly: giving up something/someone or giving in to something/someone?

Why is grace and mercy important “in our time of need” (maybe even when we give in to temptation)?

What role do we play in each other’s lives with temptation (how can we help or hurt each other)?

Prayer Focus: “How can we pray for each other this week?”

Trey has been in full-time ministry for almost 20 years and is currently serving as Pastor of Discipleship and Lead Pastor of Modern Worship at First UMC in his hometown of Murfreesboro, TN. He is married to Abbey, and they have two kids: Lilly Broox and William. Trey is also an ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church, has a Master of Divinity from Asbury Seminary, and is finishing up a Doctorate of Ministry in Youth, Family, and Culture from Fuller Seminary. His passions are encouraging and equipping people to grow in their relationship with Christ and with others.